um, no..... wow! where'd you hear that? far far far from Ben Vereen

he's a bit too life - loving and cheerful for JC Superstar!

Plus he's mainly a dancer, and its not primarily a dance piece

the main two cast members of the original are Ian Gillian of Deep Purple as Jesus (as opposed to Ted Neely in the film, who looks the part, but is more of a screetchy loud yeller-talker than a singer.. Gillian is a far superior vocalist)

Murray Head as Judas (can't remember the guy who played the role in the movie, but he was just as good)

The main reason I prefer the Broadway cast version is the music is just plain more rockin'... I don't like Ted Neely's version of Jesus either, but mostly it's the wimpy arrangements and music I don't like.

oh, Yvonne Elliman plays Mary M in both, but she's my least favorite character and has the weakest songs... I usually skip her version of "I don't know how to love him" so that I don't vomit..

but Judas singing it, towards the end, is one of my faves... more powerful and meaningful.. a man singing about another man who has a powerful hold on him in a spiritual and mental, and even emotional way that it totally non-sexual

actually, he has the best role/songs in the show.

For ease of distinction, the Broadway version has a dark brown cover.